A statue depicting Italian navigator Christopher Columbus has left the California Capitol. And we learn more about who got federal loans for their businesses, and they include folks linked to lawmakers Devin Nunes and Nancy Pelosi. Plus, I love a good …
Author: Arlene Martinez, USA TODAY
In CA: You weren’t imagining it: There really WERE more fireworks this year
It was a busy weekend for emergency responders as people took the Fourth of July into their own hands. And: Less than 1% of businesses visited get cited for failing to follow the state’s coronavirus operating guidelines. Plus: Gentrification is widesp…
In CA: In the city with the highest pay in the state, your house isn’t likely to burn down
It’s a battle to win hearts and minds in California, and Gov. Newsom and friends are ready to spend big to do it. And I’ll tell you the story of the city that on average pays its employees the most of anywhere in the Golden State, a little place where …
In CA: Consumer Privacy Act goes into full effect and much of the state shuts back down
Gov. Newsom orders most indoor business activities to close across much of the state as coronavirus cases continue a swift ascent. And let’s revisit the nation’s most comprehensive data privacy law that went into effect in the Golden State on Jan. 1, b…
In CA: A Fourth of July to remember (but not because you did anything cool and fun)
Tune your TV sets to PBS for the annual Fourth of July extravaganza, because big firework displays and parties are, for now, a thing of memories. And see how coronavirus cases are tracking in your ZIP code via USA TODAY’s exclusive analysis. Plus: In-N…
In CA: ‘People don’t social distance well after a couple drinks’: More bars shut down
Counties across the state are shutting back down as they set new records when it comes to cases of coronavirus and hospitalizations. And the Golden State Killer admits killing and kidnapping over two dozen people. Plus: Stick around for an Election Day…
In CA: Not all police will enforce mask order, departments say
California has a new mask mandate, but who will enforce it? And renewed calls to remove a statue of Father Junipero Serra prompt the community to take action. Plus, Black leaders reflect on what Juneteenth means this particular year.
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In CA: 84 counts of manslaughter for PG&E, and a man’s final, tortured hours in custody
PG&E pleads guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter for its role in the 2018 Camp Fire. L.A. wants cuts of up to $150 million in the LAPD. And I talked to the deputy director of Santa Barbara County’s child welfare agency about life for childre…
In CA: Cases spike in places deeper into reopening, but that won’t stop us
Friday was a big day in the Golden State, with gyms, bars and movie theaters reopening, but could waves of new cases follow? As the Magic 8-Ball might say: ‘Signs point to yes.’ Plus: As the movement to reform police gains traction, some see a powerful…
In CA: In the O.C., the protesters have it — masks are no longer required
Three days after Orange County’s top health official resigns — she’d received threats for her face mask requirement — there’s a change of heart. And bills on reparations and affirmative action move through the legislature. Plus: I talk with a le…